KAUFFMANN, MARIA ANGELICA, 1741-4807; b. at Coire, in Switzerland: died in Rome. A gifted woman of many accomplishments, especially distinguished as a portrait painter. She was daughter of a painter, exhibiting at the age of 12 intellect of a high order and such familiarity with literature, history, and art as to attract marked attention. Her father, fully appreciative of her talents, devoted himself to her education and took her to Italy. Bishop Neoroni of Como, hearing of the rare genius of the child, sent for her, was charmed by her intelligence and beauty, and sat to her for his portrait. It was a success, and at the age of 13 shewas already overtaxed with orders. At 20, already celebrated, her father traveled with her to Florence, Parma, Rome, Bologna, Naples, and Venice. At Bologna she executed an etching entitled The Toilet." At the age of 23 at Rome, she was the friend of Winckelman and Rafael Mengs, both of whom had a high opinion of her skill as an artist. The former sat to her for his portrait, and was enthusiastic in appreciation of her accomplishments. A few years later she was deceived into a marriage with a spurious count Horn, from whom she not long afterwards obtained a divorce. All these years she was engaged ou portraits of the eminent men and women of high rank who were attracted by her fame.
She accompanied lady Wentworth to England, where she was received with honor in the highest circles, where her beauty, genius, and pure character made her life an ova tion. Portraits by her hand were the rage. She joined in the organization of the English royal academy, Was one of its original 36 members, held a prominent place in its exhi bitions, and was honored with the warm friendship of sir Joshua Reynolds. When a commission of five-was appointed to decorate St. Paul's cathedral, she was associated with Reynolds, West, Bray, and Cipriani on that commission. In 1781, after the death of her father, she married signor Antonio Zucchi, a Venetian, and thenceforward resided in Venice and Rome. At Venice she painted one of her historical pieces, "Leonardo Dying in the Arms of Francis I." At Rome she attracted the friendship of Goethe, Herder, and Klopstock; and her last years were crowned with respect and honor. The list of her works is large. Portraiture of the noted beauties of her time in Italy and England was considered her forte. Of the grace and high refinement of her style we have a good example in "The Vestalina," of late years widely known by pho tographs and. miniature copies on porcelain.